Let's Light This Candle

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 2:22 p.m. CST, the Falcon 9 rocket launched the Dragon spacecraft on its historic mission to the International Space Station.  It was historic for a number of reasons.  The mission was the first combined effort using a private company rocket, SpaceX, and NASA astronauts.  It was the first U.S. space orbit from an American launch pad since the space shuttle was retired in 2011. It has also ushered in the growth of reusable launch systems, as SpaceX hopes to reuse the Falcon rocket up to 100 times.

But, what does this have to do with the Christian life?  What does it have to do with the joyful life Jesus has called us to?

The parallels are endless, but here are a few that are undeniable.

We are called to one mission.  That mission is advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  SpaceX and NASA have completely different protocols and methods of approaching things.  That was a formidable challenge to overcome.  Christians of various backgrounds have different ways of doing things, too.  Paul and Barnabas differed in their approach (Acts 15:39-41), and we must find a way to work together, as they did--even if it means going in different directions to accomplish that one most important goal.  Isaiah 1:31 tells us beautifully what happens when we do.  It says, "And the strong shall become tinder, and his work a spark, and both of them shall burn together, with none to quench them."  That's a candle that's never going out.

Adversity is sure and must be overcome.  The challenges for SpaceX and NASA have been many.  They have been back to the drawing board more times than any of them can count.  But, they didn't quit.  They didn't give up.  And, neither should we.  The Christian life is no cake walk, but the rewards are sure.  2 Corinthians 4:8 tells us, "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."  And, 1 John 5:4 says, "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

God's timing is never accidental.  The timing of this launch could not have been more perfect.  It is a time in which our country needed a little refreshing, victory.  The Christian life is no different.  There are times when we are weary from the battle.  There are times that we become discouraged and want to give up.  But, it is at these times that God sends us times of refreshment and victory.  He meets us at our very point of need.  We need only look to find Him, to see Him.  He is there.  Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven".  And, Proverbs 15:30 exhorts, "The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones."

One day when our time on this earth is through, if we have chosen to live a life that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father, we will be ready to meet Him, to meet Jesus.  And we can say, as with Alan Shepard in 1961, "Let's light this candle."

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.  --Harry Dixon Loes

Goodnight, Runners.